Craven County, North Carolina

Craven County, North Carolina
Craven County Courthouse in New Bern
Location within the U.S. state of North Carolina
Interactive map of Craven County, North Carolina
Coordinates: 35°07′N 77°05′W / 35.12°N 77.08°W / 35.12; -77.08
Country United States
State North Carolina
Founded1712
Named afterWilliam, Earl of Craven
SeatNew Bern
Largest communityNew Bern
Area
 • Total
773.28 sq mi (2,002.8 km2)
 • Land706.57 sq mi (1,830.0 km2)
 • Water66.71 sq mi (172.8 km2)  8.63%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
100,720
 • Estimate 
(2024)
104,167
 • Density142.55/sq mi (55.04/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district3rd
Websitewww.cravencountync.gov

Craven County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 100,720. Its county seat is New Bern. The county was created in 1705 as Archdale Precinct from the now-extinct Bath County. It was renamed Craven Precinct in 1712 and gained county status in 1739. It is named for William, Earl of Craven, who lived from 1606 to 1697. Craven County is part of the New Bern, NC Micropolitan Statistical Area.